First, we will learn about what is Notice Period?

When you join any company/ firm as a full-time employee, the executive from the HR department will make you sign the terms of the contract. Tucked away in the many clauses of the contract is your ‘Notice Period’. Simply put, the notice period is the duration you must continue working for the organization after you officially inform them of your intention to resign from the organization.

The reverse is also true. If the organization wishes to terminate your services, they cannot ask you to leave immediately. (Laws put in place by the government forbid them from doing so.) They need to give you a notice about the termination of your services and you will be expected to leave only after serving out that notice period.

However, be informed that any organization reserves the right to fire you on the spot if you are proven to indulge in gross misconduct that jeopardizes the interests of the organization.

What purpose does the Notice Period Serve?

No company or firm can function without its employees. Irrespective of whether the company/firm is a small, medium or large scale in size, employees leaving the organization for greener pastures and finding replacements for such employees is a regular occurrence and the natural order of things. For the HR department of large organizations and MNCs (multi-national companies) who handle thousands of employees, this is a daily reality.

To ensure that this reality doesn’t affect the functioning of an organization, multiple measures are put in place. And the biggest measure is always the notice period. The notice period allows the HR team to find a suitable replacement for the employee. Once the replacement employee is finalized, the incumbent employee who plans to leave the organization is expected to proceed with ‘knowledge transfer’ to the new employee. This ensures that when the employee finally leaves the organization, the expected work continues smoothly.

Can an Employee leave without serving the Notice Period?

You can leave without serving the notice period only if you take the option of a notice-period buyout. If you leave your employment without giving any notice, then it’s technically a breach of the employment contract and can potentially land you in legal trouble.

Now we will learn about what are the essential things to do’s & Don’ts of Serving Notice Period

Do’s of serving notice period

So, you have found an exciting new job opportunity and have handed over your resignation letter, and are currently serving a notice period. Now let’s find out tips for serving your notice period.

Focus on tying up loose ends

Your priority should be on wrapping up active projects and doing a proper handover of ongoing projects or tasks. Don’t leave things until the last day (or minute). Leaving with a clean desk, with outstanding matters in good hands shows your concern for the company despite not working there anymore.

Continue with the same productivity

It is very easy to feel tempted to cut yourself slack when serving your notice period. However, avoid such temptation as it can lead to a heap of unfinished business for the team you have been working with for so long.

So, try to maintain the same level of productivity, and even if you can't complete every task till the last day, let your team know of the status as it can help them pick up the pace.

Be prepared

Your manager may ask you to stay and counteroffer you a better package or higher position within the company. It’s always good to be prepared as to what you will do should this situation arise. Remember why you handed your notice in the first place and know your worth.

Inform those in your professional network

It’s important that you inform clients, business associates, and colleagues whom you work with on a regular basis so they’re not caught off-guard when you leave. It's common courtesy to keep your contacts informed so there’s continuity and minimal disruption during the transition period when your replacement takes over.

Remain professional throughout your notice period

It doesn’t happen all the time, but occasionally when one resigns, he or she might find the immediate superior and/or colleagues behaving distant or sidelining them from discussions or social activities. If that does happen, it’s important for you to remain professional, difficult as that might be.

Don't let a change in team spirit affect you

Let’s admit there are certain changes within the team once you start serving the notice period. You may not be invited to team meetings discussing future endeavors or other important meetings, team lunches, etc especially if you are joining a competing organization.

Don’t feel bad, keep smiling and look ahead instead of feeling ignored and unfamiliar amidst your team.

Be grateful

It’s tempting to harp on all the aspects of the company you’re not thrilled about but don’t. When you’re asked about why you’re leaving, don’t give in to the temptation to moan about the cons of your employment there. Focus on the good and leave the bad. You’ll be out of there before you realize it!

Also, maintain a diplomatic stance and provide constructive criticism when asked to provide feedback about the organization during your exit interview. For example, you can cite a stronger training program.

Leave the door open

Unless you absolutely have to, don’t burn your bridges (and even then, think long and hard before you do). You never know when you’ll cross paths with your boss or colleagues again. Much better to leave the door open for future possibilities to work together again.

Don’ts of serving notice period

With the Do’s of the service notice period sorted, let’s take a walk through the Don’ts of the same.

Act on impulse

Handing in your notice when you are angry or upset is not advised. Should you be in a situation where you are feeling this way, take some time to reflect and sleep on it. If you decide that you still want to hand your notice in, ensure you are calmer before doing so.

Don't take it as a holiday

Although you might feel like the majority of the workload is off your shoulders, don't laze around at your desk because of it. You can offer your help to your teammates instead of taking personal phone calls or scrolling through social media. You are, after all, on a notice period, not a holiday.

Don't leave on a sour note

There might be reasons for you to have negative feelings towards certain aspects of your organization, but letting it out while serving a notice period is not the way to go.

The industry circle is really small and it won’t take much time for the word to spread like wildfire and you wouldn’t want a bad reputation for yourself and dampen your chances of a brighter future.

Just quit

As tempting as it may be, you should not and cannot refuse to work your notice period. If it is in your employment contract then it is legally binding. If you do walk out of your job, you cannot expect a good reference from your employer or to be paid for your notice period.

Brag about your new job

You might be bursting to talk about all the generous perks and cool benefits of your new job but resist you must. It’s important for you to keep the office energy positive and warm to minimize disruption during this transition period.

Slate your employer

Social media is a powerful tool and it doesn’t take long for word to get out. No matter how you feel about your employer, do not bad mouth them, especially on social media. It won’t look good on you.

Boast to your colleagues

Sometimes when an entire department is unhappy it’s easy to feel smug when you have a new job and your colleagues haven’t. Try and be compassionate about their feelings.

Don't forget to write a formal goodbye mail

Take this opportunity to appreciate their guidance, help, and all the good times you have shared and taken as learnings.

Hopefully, with these tips for serving your notice period, your final days with the organization will be positive and smooth sailing.

However, no matter what, absolutely DO NOT miss sending out your goodbye email on the last day of your notice period.

The notice period is fun as you are mentally free as you don't have real commitments that would be measured by performance appraisal but it has lot more responsibilities that you need to fulfill.

People may not remember your work achievements over a period of time but your attitude especially during the notice period is something they will remember. So put on your best behavior, be nice and bid your time and ensure a smooth exit.

All the best for your future!